Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Countdown by Deborah Wiles + Contest

One of today's lucky commenters will receive:

* A Countdown branded canvas tote and copy of the book!

I can't tell you how cool this book is - seriously! The story takes place in 1962, a time of "Duck and Cover" drills and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The main character, Franny Chapman, is wonderful. I fell in love with her almost immediately.

My favorite thing about this book is the creative and incredible layout. Throughout the fictional story are real-life song lyrics, historical speeches, photographs, commercial snippets... it's positively wonderful! They refer to it as a documentary novel - which it is - but it doesn't have that "academic" feeling that turns many kids away from history.

I am calling this one a MUST READ for anyone interested in history, MG books, teaching with literature, or cultural literacy. This book is amazing - period!

About the book:

Countdown is the first in a new trilogy of "documentary novels" set in the1960s- a fascinating historical documentary in a unique style and format.Filled with photos, news clippings, and songs of the era, this novel tellsthe story of Franny Chapman, an eleven-year-old girl living in Washington,DC, set against the backdrop of one of the most politically and culturallydefining periods in history.

It's 1962, in the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the worldseems to be on the terrifying brink of nuclear war. But for Franny Chapman,everyday life goes on. While doing "Duck and Cover" drills at school, Frannymust face tensions with her younger brother, and worry about her oldersister- is she a secret spy?- while learning to look beyond outwardappearances.

About the author:

Deborah Wiles is the author of National Book Award Finalist Each Little BirdThat Sings; as well as Love, Ruby Lavender; and The Aurora County All-Stars.She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Additional Details:

Retail Value: Books are valued at $17.99 each.

Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with aUnited States mailing address only (international readers can enter if theyhave a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).

History is yummy. But usually only to a small portion of people. When someone manages to make it intriguing for kids, Like Deborah Wiles, it seems to me they must be very special indeed. Thanks for the recommendation! And what a great contest!

Blog Schedule

SHANNON O'DONNELL

I have a master's degree in Education and teach high school English in Montana, where I live with my husband and three children.
On the writing side of things, I am the author of two picture books and a middle grade novel and am represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary.
CONTACT ME AT: mrso_d at yahoo dot com.